Pune: In a move aimed to crack down on adulterated toddy in Maharashtra, scientists at the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) have developed a quick, colour-based field test kit that can instantly show whether the drink has been mixed with banned chemicals.The CHT kit is designed for on-the-spot checks and eliminates the need for bulky equipment or time-consuming lab tests. The technology has been transferred to the Authentic Chemicals and Research Centre (ACRC), Tembhurni, Solapur, which will manufacture and supply the kits.Toddy is tapped from palm trees and sold through govt-approved outlets. It has been at the centre of complaints of adulteration in recent years. Acting on the concerns, the Maharashtra govt formed a committee comprising excise officials, toddy suppliers, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) NCL scientists and other experts. Their investigation revealed that several samples contained chloral hydrate — a banned substance in India — at dangerously high levels.The kit was demonstrated to the state excise department before the findings were formally handed over to the production partner in Tembhurni.While toddy naturally contains around 6% ethyl alcohol and other beneficial constituents, the committee’s large-scale survey flagged serious quality issues. Tests again confirmed the presence of hazardous concentrations of chloral hydrate.Explaining the health risks, CSIR-NCL director Ashish Lele said, “Once consumed, chloral hydrate converts into trichloroethanol (a powerful CNS depressant) and trichloroacetic acid (a corrosive compound). The chemicals are associated with adverse health effects, including rashes, vomiting, gastric issues, ulcers, organ damage and coma. All three compounds — chloral hydrate, trichloroethanol and trichloroacetic acid — are known carcinogens.“Currently, excise officers must carry multiple instruments or send sealed samples to labs, causing delays and logistical hurdles. To streamline the process, NCL scientists conducted extensive experiments and engineered the CHT kit for rapid, on-site detection.Lele said, “The CHT kit contains a defined mixture of reagents that instantly produce a pink colour when a toddy sample containing chloral hydrate is added. The absence of pink colour confirms that the sample is free of chloral hydrate adulteration.”The forensic science laboratory, govt of Maharashtra, has validated and approved the kit’s performance. After a successful demonstration to excise officials, NCL formally transferred the technology to ACRC for mass production.Calling the kit a crucial tool for public safety, Lele said, “The kit is a unique and efficient colour-based solution that supports quick detection of harmful chloral hydrate adulteration in toddy, ensuring public health and safety.”
